Mathematics for Physicists

Brian R. Martin · Graham Shaw

Apr 2015 · Sold by John Wiley & Sons

About this ebook

Mathematics for Physicists is a relatively short volume covering all the essential mathematics needed for a typical first degree in physics, from a starting point that is compatible with modern school mathematics syllabuses. Early chapters deliberately overlap with senior school mathematics, to a degree that will depend on the background of the individual reader, who may quickly skip over those topics with which he or she is already familiar. The rest of the book covers the mathematics that is usually compulsory for all students in their first two years of a typical university physics degree, plus a little more. There are worked examples throughout the text, and chapter-end problem sets.

Mathematics for Physicists features:

• Interfaces with modern school mathematics syllabuses
• All topics usually taught in the first two years of a physics degree
• Worked examples throughout
• Problems in every chapter, with answers to selected questions at the end of the book and full solutions on a website

This text will be an excellent resource for undergraduate students in physics and a quick reference guide for more advanced students, as well as being appropriate for students in other physical sciences, such as astronomy, chemistry and earth sciences.

About the author

Brian Martin was a full-time member of staff of the Department of Physics & Astronomy at UCL from 1968 to 1995, including a decade from 1994 to 2004 as Head of the Department. I retired in 2005 and now hold the title of Emeritus Professor of Physics. I have extensive experience of teaching undergraduate mathematics classes at all levels and experience of other universities via external examining for first degrees at Imperial College and Royal Holloway College London. I was also the external member of the General Board of the Department of Physics at Cambridge University that reviewed the whole academic programme of that department, including teaching.

Graham Shaw is a full-time member of staff of the School of Physics & Astronomy at Manchester University and will retire in September 2009. I have extensive experience of teaching undergraduate physics and the associated mathematics, and have been a member of the department’s Teaching Committee and the Course Director of the Honours School of Mathematics and Physics for many years.